Not too long ago the Restoration of America’s Wire Act failed to get much attention in Congress. However, the persistence of those behind the bill is never ceasing as once again it is being submitted to Congress. If it is successful, it could affect the gaming based in New Jersey, Delaware and Nevada.
This time the anti-gambling bill is being submitted by Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz. It is more than a likelihood that online gambling will become illegal in the USA if the bill succeeds in Congress. Online gambling will be banned – even in those states where it has already been legalized. The exceptions will be few and include fantasy sports, sports betting and horse racing.
Mr. Chaffetz is adamant as he essentially threw poker players under the bus as he sent them a powerful statement, “There are some people who would like to see online gaming, or a poker carve out. My message to them is you think online gaming is good, introduce a bill and pass it.”
Chaffetz’s thinking is pretty much the same as Sheldon Adelson’s when it comes to online gambling. Especially poker. Sheldon Adelson, casino owner and one of the richest men in the world, contributes large sums of money to prevent the legalization of online gambling – especially online poker. They have views about online gambling have been well documented. Their coalition against it and the ever escalating tactics that they use to advance their ’cause’ are becoming legendary. Adelson is suspected to be behind Chaffetz’s move to reintroduce the bill. That wouldn’t be surprising since Adelson has commented on more than one occasion that he will spend whatever it takes to stop it.
Chaffetz, like Adelson, has used the argument that stopping online gambling is necessary to protect children from being needlessly exposed to the adult activity. Chaffetz is chairman of the Government Reform sub-committee. A planned hearing on the details of the bill is being considered in order to address what the Utah Republican calls the “Wild Wild West” when it comes to the gambling industry. He claims that children are being targeted on their iPhone’s and that, “There are no rules, no prohibitions, no structure, no oversight, nothing.” It seems as though with Adelson’s backing, the Republican is seeking to change that by making the federal government the controlling body by sponsoring the $13.2 million fueled legislation to ban online gambling.
How can I help stop Jason Chaffetz, I live in Utah where he is a Representative. Will just contacting him be enough? Is there anything else that can be done to help open online gambling for all games I enjoy baccarat and would love to do live gambling/playing with it.
They’re banning online gaming? What a bust! I just started getting into this game called keno, and I’m having a great time with it. I’m hoping that the bill doesn’t go through.